Meet the Intern – Livestock Judging, Internships & Preparing for Life After College

*EPISODE 8: MEET THE INTERN*– LIVESTOCK JUDGING, INTERNSHIPS & PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of _To The Front_, Thomas Gross sits down with TTF Nutrition intern *McKenna Sobasky*to discuss her journey through the livestock industry, her success in collegiate livestock judging, and the lessons she's learned preparing for life after college. From growing up raising show pigs to becoming a collegiate All-American livestock judge, McKenna shares practical advice for young exhibitors, future judging team members, and students looking to get ahead through internships and networking. Whether you're preparing for your senior year, considering collegiate livestock judging, or wondering how to start building your career, this episode offers valuable insight into making the most of every opportunity. KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – 05:45 | MEET MCKENNA: FROM SHOW PIGS TO COLLEGIATE JUDGING McKenna shares her livestock background, growing up in a family show pig operation, and how her passion for livestock judging developed through youth and collegiate competition. 05:45 – 08:25 | ADVICE FOR SENIORS PREPARING FOR COLLEGE The conversation focuses on making the most of your final years in the show ring, enjoying the journey, and developing the skills that will help you succeed once college begins. 08:25 – 10:10 | HOW TO GET STARTED IN LIVESTOCK JUDGING McKenna explains what young people should prioritize when joining a judging team, the importance of finding mentors, and why staying humble while remaining hungry to learn is key to long-term success. 10:10 – 12:55 | THE REALITY OF COLLEGIATE LIVESTOCK JUDGING What does a judging team schedule actually look like? McKenna breaks down the time commitment, balancing academics with practice, and the accountability required to compete at a high level. 12:55 – 16:05 | WHY INTERNSHIPS MATTER Thomas and McKenna discuss how internships help students gain experience, discover career interests, and develop professional skills before entering the workforce. 16:05 – 17:45 | BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS & PREPARING FOR THE REAL WORLD The episode wraps up with a conversation about networking, communication skills, and how the livestock industry provides opportunities to build connections that can impact your future career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Enjoy your senior year, but start preparing for what's next. Success in livestock judging comes from consistency, humility, and a willingness to learn. Collegiate judging requires significant commitment, discipline, and time management. Don't wait until you're "qualified" to pursue an internship—take initiative and ask for opportunities. Networking and communication skills can create opportunities long after the internship or judging contest ends. The relationships built through the livestock industry often become some of your most valuable professional connections